Editorial Note: Originally published in the July 2024 issue of Trade Show Executive magazine.
On behalf of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE), I celebrate and congratulate Trade Show Executive (TSE) for 25 years of excellence in faithfully serving the interests of professionals representing all facets of our industry.
IAEE has maintained a close relationship with TSE over the years through various partnerships and reciprocating agreements. In that time, we have navigated the extraordinary evolution of our industry with all its twists and turns, as well as supported each other in spreading our wings to discover new ground.
Reflecting upon our decades of working together, I can’t help but recognize how it speaks to the indelible advantages that come with collaboration among industry organizations. We all thrive on bringing people together to foster connections and drive innovation. Collaboration plays a crucial role in accelerating growth, enhancing productivity and shaping the future of our industry.
Bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise and resources leads to the development of groundbreaking ideas, solutions and experiences that push the boundaries of what is possible. Partnerships allow industry organizations to leverage their collective strengths to drive creativity and innovation. They also help organizations amplify their reach and engage a broader audience with the end goal of delivering value-added experiences that resonate with stakeholders – exhibitors, attendees, sponsors and partners – and foster the lasting relationships that are at the very heart of what we do.
When it comes to advocacy, I don’t believe there is any doubt as to the power behind a united front. We have witnessed the positive outcomes from joint initiatives such as the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance’s annual Legislative Action Day in educating our nation’s leaders on the contributions our industry makes to the U.S. economy. By joining forces, we get much further in our mission to influence policymakers and shape regulations that impact us all.
Speaking of advocacy, collaboration is also vital to our efforts in building a sustainable future for trade shows. As we share our best practices, resources and expertise, we achieve much greater gains toward environmental stewardship, DEI and ethical business practices rather than trying to accomplish these feats on our own. The path we collectively pave today ensures sustainability and forward motion for future generations of our industry.
Together we can establish guidelines, certifications and quality benchmarks that exponentially promote professionalism, consistency and excellence within the industry. These standards not only enhance the reputation and credibility of our industry but also provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth and customer confidence.
When individual entities work together for the greater good of the entire industry, it demonstrates a commitment to high ethical standards, cooperation and innovation. This unity fosters trust among stakeholders, reinforcing our industry’s attractiveness and reliability as we continue to establish ourselves as formidable players in the greater business universe.
A strong reputation grounded in collaboration serves as a magnet for growth and sets the stage for long-term success. It also showcases our strength. The pandemic was tough on our industry, but we have proven we are much tougher! Each month, TSE reports on the many ways that trade shows are increasingly vibrant and productive, along with the dedicated professionals who are leading the charge to garner the respect and recognition that the exhibitions and events industry deserves.
In addition to applauding the role TSE has played in bringing our industry together and supporting our forward-facing traction, this month I invite executive leaders to increase their outreach to fellow organizations in the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect to continue building a brighter future for our industry.
Marie Browne
2024 IAEE Chairperson
Group Vice President
RX
